The FAMU Rattlers and new coach Quinn Gray opened their season Saturday, Aug. 28, against Albany State at Bragg Memorial Stadium.( image via Sarah Cheatham)
Florida A&M opened the Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. era in winning fashion Saturday night, defeating Albany State 20-7 at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
The victory was especially significant for Gray, who faced his former program in his first game as FAMU’s head coach. Gray previously led the Albany State Golden Rams for the previous three seasons before taking over the Rattlers program.
FAMU got contributions on both sides of the football, but the defense ultimately stole the show.
FAMU Defense Sets the Tone
Redshirt defensive end Antonio Camon Jr. led the Rattlers with three sacks, helping FAMU overwhelm Albany State’s offensive front.
The Rattlers finished the night with an impressive 10 sacks, consistently putting pressure on the Golden Rams and disrupting their offensive rhythm.
The defensive performance provided the foundation for FAMU to secure its first victory of the 2026 season and Gray’s first win as the program’s head coach.
Knowles Delivers in FAMU Debut
Quarterback Isaiah Knowles gave the Rattlers a steady performance in his FAMU debut.
Knowles completed 14-of-23 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown, connecting with wide receiver Jaquan Lee for FAMU’s passing score.
Running back Chase Gillespie also found the end zone, scoring on a nine-yard rushing touchdown.
The combination of Knowles’ passing, Gillespie’s rushing touchdown and a defense that relentlessly pressured Albany State was enough to give the Rattlers a season-opening victory.
A Memorable Beginning for Gray
For Gray, Saturday’s win was more than simply the first game of a new season.
It marked his first victory as Florida A&M’s head coach—and it came against the program he guided for three seasons.
Now, Gray and the Rattlers begin the 2026 campaign 1-0, with the defense immediately making a statement about what FAMU could bring to the field this season.
Final Score:
Florida A&M — 20
Albany State — 7
FAMU Leaders
- QB Isaiah Knowles: 14-of-23, 190 yards, 1 TD
- DE Antonio Camon Jr.: 3 sacks
- FAMU Defense: 10 sacks
- WR Jaquan Lee: Receiving touchdown
- RB Chase Gillespie: 9-yard rushing touchdown
Bottom Line: FAMU may have opened the Gray era with a 20-7 victory, but the biggest statement came from the defense. Ten sacks—including three from Camon Jr.—gave the Rattlers the type of disruptive performance that can become a defining identity early in a new coaching era.
